How to Expand a Small Patio Table

 

Article Courtesy of Garden Gate 

 

Q: My small patio table is fine most of the time, but I wish it were bigger when I have friends over. Any suggestions?

 

A: Make a removable plywood table topper to expand your seating options. Use ¾-in. plywood, which is sturdy enough not to bend, and cut the topper no more than 2 ft. wider or longer than your original table top, giving you a foot of extra space on each side. That should allow you to seat a couple of extra people (interior designers suggest allowing 24 in. per person around a table). Put a piece of nonslip shelf liner underneath the topper to keep it centered on the tabletop, and throw a pretty tablecloth over it to hide the plywood surface.